What It Is:
Pyometra is a life threatening uterine infection that occurs in unspayed female cats, typically after a heat cycle. It results from hormonal changes that allow bacteria to grow inside the uterus, leading to a buildup of pus and inflammation.
Pyometra is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. If left untreated, it can lead to sepsis, kidney failure, or death.
🐾 Common Symptoms
Symptoms can develop suddenly and vary depending on whether the cervix is open or closed.
Open pyometra:
- Vaginal discharge that may be pus filled or bloody
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Foul odor from the discharge
Closed pyometra:
- No visible discharge
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Swollen abdomen
- Fever
- Increased thirst and urination
- Collapse in severe cases
Closed pyometra is often more dangerous, as the pus becomes trapped in the uterus and may rupture.
🦠 Causes and Risk Factors
Pyometra is caused by hormonal changes and bacterial infection. After a heat cycle, progesterone causes the uterine lining to thicken. If pregnancy does not occur, the lining continues to build, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
Risk factors include:
- Being an intact female who is not spayed
- Age over five years
- History of repeated heat cycles without pregnancy
- Use of hormonal drugs to suppress heat
- Previous uterine or vaginal infections
Spayed cats cannot get pyometra, as the uterus is removed during the procedure.
🔍 Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on history, symptoms, and diagnostic tests:
- Physical exam to assess abdominal pain or swelling
- Vaginal exam for discharge in open pyometra
- Bloodwork to check for infection, dehydration, or organ damage
- X rays or ultrasound to visualize the enlarged, fluid filled uterus
- Urinalysis to check for kidney involvement
Prompt diagnosis is critical, especially in closed pyometra cases.
💊 Treatment
The most effective and safest treatment is emergency spay surgery, also called ovariohysterectomy. This removes the infected uterus and ovaries.
Other treatment options may include:
- IV fluids to stabilize the cat
- Antibiotics to fight infection
- Pain management and supportive care
- Prostaglandin hormone therapy in select breeding cats, but this carries serious risks and lower success rates
Delaying treatment significantly increases the risk of uterine rupture, sepsis, or death.
🩺 Prognosis
Prognosis is excellent with early surgical treatment:
- Most cats recover fully if treated before complications develop
- Closed pyometra has a higher risk of complications due to delayed diagnosis
- Survival depends on prompt medical care and post surgical monitoring
Cats who recover should never be bred, as recurrence is likely.
💡 Cat Owner Note
If your unspayed female cat suddenly seems sick, stops eating, or has discharge, it could be pyometra, and time is critical. Spaying your cat is the safest way to prevent this dangerous infection. If you are not planning to breed, don’t wait. This is one emergency that is completely avoidable.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pyometra in Cats
Can only older cats get pyometra?
No. Pyometra can occur in young adult cats after just one or two heat cycles, though it is more common in older females.
Is pyometra contagious?
No. Pyometra is not contagious and does not spread between cats.
Can pyometra go away with antibiotics alone?
Rarely. Antibiotics may help temporarily, but surgery is the most reliable and permanent treatment.
What happens if pyometra is not treated?
Untreated pyometra can lead to organ failure, uterine rupture, and death.
Can a cat get pyometra if she has never been in heat?
It is unlikely. Pyometra usually develops after the influence of hormones during a heat cycle.
Does spaying prevent pyometra?
Yes. Spayed cats cannot develop pyometra because the uterus is removed.